Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG)

We offer a comprehensive assessment called the Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG) Brain Map which allows us to view and measure your overall brain's functioning, communication, and activity. The qEEG report is then analyzed and we are provided with computed statistics and maps of your current underlying biological predisposition. It allows us to tailor our Neurofeedback treatment protocols at a more specific and targeted level to meet your individual needs to begin addressing your presenting symptoms.

The electroencephalograph (EEG) has been studied and applied since the early 20th century as a way of looking at the electrical functioning of the brain. Billions of neurons in the cortex produce electrical activity that is readable through sensors in a cap which is placed on the head. The electroencephalograph (EEG) amplifies the faint impulses produced by the brain so they may be viewed by the human eye.

Recording of the qEEG involves placing an elastic cap on the head, with 19 sensors held in place on the head. In addition, a clip on each earlobe provides a reference point for the brain activity. Because there is very little electrical activity in the earlobes, they are much more electrically "dead" than scalp sites. Once the cap has been placed and connecting gel is added, each of the 19 sensors is checked to ensure that it has a good connection with the activity in the brain. The electrical activity at each of the 19 scalp sites is then recorded and calculated by the computer. One set of data is recorded with eyes open (4 minutes), and a second set is recorded with eyes closed (4 minutes). During recording of the brainwave data, it is very important to remain as still as possible so as not to contaminate it with a lot of electrical "noise."

Once the brainwave recording is cleaned up from any outside interference (muscle movement or electrical activity picked up in the room), it is put through a number of analyses by the computer, and the result is a collection of measurements. A number of variables of brain functioning are calculated and compared to a database comprised of a collection of measurements taken from people who are free of difficulties, injury, and disease. Scientists have created such databases to enable the comparison of one individual’s brain functioning to a group of others of the same age and gender. In this way, an individual’s brain may be evaluated in terms of how much its functioning departs from "normal" or "optimal." These variables of functioning and the degree to which they are higher or lower than optimal are of interest in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of an individual’s brain functioning.

The BRAIN MAP (qEEG) analyzes all of the 19 placement sites. It isolates where there is diversion from most to least when compared to a large database; then the software program used will generate a protocol recommendation of future training sessions for each unique client. The clients’ personal and health history, symptoms and other factors are then considered. A final protocol is then chosen for the client’s EEG training. The client leaves with a detailed report identifying locations in the brain where future training would be beneficial as well as an outline of possible deficiencies as a result of possible abnormal electrical activity.